Turner, Raymond JosephWestersund, Connor2018-05-172018-05-172018-05-11http://hdl.handle.net/1880/106641Silver (I) is an antimicrobial agent that has established antimicrobial activity, yet the mechanism of action is unclear. This thesis follows up on an observation that Ag+ ions cause the cell membrane to separate from the cell wall in Escherichia coli. Data from a chemical genomic screen was utilized, identifying 6 Ag-responsive cells with single gene deletions (damX, rodZ, minC, sanA, ybhO, tolB), which are genes involved in maintenance of the cell envelope. When these mutants were grown in the presence of Ag+, cells demonstrated extensive cell envelope damage as seen by transmission electron microscopy. Evaluation of kill curves, some mutants conferred resistance and others sensitivity to silver in comparison to wildtype. From the data collected, it was recognized that functions around cell wall and transport across the cell membranes have roles in both silver resistance and sensitivity.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.MicrobiologySilverSilver ionsAntimicrobialsEducation--HealthEducation--SciencesBiologyMicrobiologymaster thesis10.11575/PRISM/31922